May Newsletter

Manaaki Toiora - "Enhancing the wellbeing of people and our communities".

Gr8 Job Hauraki

Julie Stephenson - Community Employment Liaison

Success Story

We have experienced notable success with one of our young job seekers, who previously was receiving the job seeker benefit following a challenging workplace experience that led to her resignation. After establishing a rapport with her, we were able to recommend her to an employer who was seeking to fill a position in his painting business.

Due to an immediate start, she has begun working and is finding great satisfaction in her role. At the conclusion of a successful 90-day trial period, she will be offered an apprenticeship, which she fully intends to accept. We have also utilised a Ministry of Social Development employment product called Mana in Mahi. This matches employers with people who are keen to start a career and need extra support to begin and maintain their work and training.

Additionally, we have supported her with driving lessons and are very pleased to say that last week, she passed her restricted test. This placement captures the essence of Gr8 Job Hauraki – we are committed to working together to support our rangatahi into meaningful employment. Tau kē, well done!

30 Outcomes

GR8 Job Hauraki has now reached its annual target of 30 placements with two more months to go. We are incredibly proud of this milestone as it has been a challenging job market during an uncertain economy.

We are currently waiting on a final contract to see what the July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 looks like for us, but hope we can continue to support our local rangatahi into local jobs!

Outward Bound – Anakiwa

Since August 2024, we have welcomed back 11 rangatahi who have all had an unforgettable Outward Bound journey. Two were on the 8-day Whakatipu Course and 9 have been on full scholarships to the 21-day Classic Course.

We are very excited to be the recipients of eight more scholarships over the next few months and look forward to hearing more adventures of our rangatahi discovering their potential and doing things that they never thought possible

Time to Connect & Upskill

Lou Beer, Event and Business Support Coordinator

May is packed with valuable opportunities for individuals and businesses to connect with the wider community, enhance their knowledge, and grow their capabilities. Whether you're curious about artificial intelligence, looking to sharpen your investment skills, or keen to learn more about the services and support available for employers and business owners—there’s something for everyone this month.

Save the following dates:

13 May from 7.15am Waihī - Free Business Breakfast with Craigs Investment Partners.  To find out more and to register click here

21 May from 7.30am Ngātea - Free Business Breakfast with Craigs Investment Partners To find out more and to register click here

21 May from 5pm – Business Connect Waihī organised by Hauraki District Council. To find out more and to register click here

22 May at 2pm, repeated at 5.30pm in Waihī – Working with AI Workshop ($45). Register your attendance here

27 May at 1pm Ngātea - Working with AI Workshop ($45). Register your attendance here

27 May at 5.30pm Paeroa - Working with AI Workshop ($45). Register your attendance here

Looking ahead to June, we are also planning a Business Breakfast in Paeroa and a Hauraki Tourism Hui.

If there are other courses and workshops that you would like to see run locally, please contact our Business Support Coordinator by email

Energy Efficiency and  Conservation Authority (EECA) 

Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme

Katie McLaren, Community Development Advisor (Social)

As a funding partner of the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, we can offer subsidies on insulation for eligible households across the Hauraki District. Through us, low-income homeowners can get subsidies covering the totality of the cost of ceiling insulation and underfloor insulation supply and install. The criteria to be able to access this funding is as follows:

• The homeowner needs to live in the home which was built before 2008.
• The homeowner needs to have a Community Services Card OR live in a low-income area.
• Your home doesn't have ceiling and underfloor insulation. (If you had an insulation grant for a previous house, no worries, you can apply for a grant at your current home.)

This funding is available for homeowner-occupiers in Hauraki District. Head to the EECA website to see if you qualify.

Whānau Days Out Hauraki 2025

Katie McLaren, Community Development Advisor (Social)

Hauraki District Council are working with Te Korowai Hauora O Hauraki to run social services community events in Paeroa and Waihi in 2025 and Ngātea in 2026. These events will highlight what is available within Hauraki to support individuals and whānau. These events will be fun, interactive gatherings of local health providers, social services and groups that operate in the local and wider community.

The Waihī event will be run on Wednesday the 2nd of July at the Waihī Memorial Hall from 10am to 1:30pm. The Paeroa event will be in the October school holidays with a date yet to be set.

There will be free activities for kids, a sausage sizzle, spot prizes, health checks and more!!

If you would like to book a stall or be involved as a sponsor, please get in contact with us.

2025 ONYA Community Awards

Katie McLaren, Community Development Advisor (Social)

Every year we hold an awards evening, where members of the community are acknowledged and celebrated for the incredible achievements and positive difference they have made within their communities through their outstanding dedication and community spirit. It’s our way of saying Good OnYa – you’ve made a difference.

Nominations are open year-round but cut off for awards evening this year is in July.

 Categories include:

• ONYA for caring about your community - Individual award for service to the community

• ONYA for working together to make a difference - Community group award for service to the community

• ONYA for knocking it out of the park - Award for service or achievement in Sport or Recreation

• ONYA for enhancing and enriching our lives - Award for service or achievement in Arts or Culture

The Council's Special Awards Working Party will also decide the recipient of the OnYa - Tu Meke award, chosen from the successful nominees in the four categories.

• Tu Meke / for going above and beyond - Special award for outstanding service to the community

For more information and application forms head to our website.